Latest news with #J.VenkataMurali
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh committed to poverty eradication and 24x7 quality power: Minister
Andhra Pradesh is determined to eradicate poverty while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of quality electricity, said Minister for Energy Gottipati Ravi Kumar. Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the 79th Independence Day celebrations in Bapatla on Friday, the Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to welfare and development. He said the P4 scheme had been launched as part of the State's poverty eradication efforts, with 65 lakh social security pensions distributed on the first day of every month. Farmers are being supported through the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, while fishermen receive financial aid during the fishing ban period along with livelihood support through fish farming in the Gundlakamma reservoir. Highlighting infrastructure initiatives, the Minister said ₹490 crore is being spent on expanding Nizampatnam Shipping Harbour, while Bapatla beach is being developed into a tourist hub. CCTV cameras are being installed for improved crime prevention. On the power sector, he said Andhra Pradesh supplies 24x7 quality electricity to all consumers, provides nine hours of free power to agricultural pump sets, offers subsidised power to aqua farmers at ₹1.50 per unit, and supplies free power to handlooms, powerlooms, and up to 200 units for SC/ST households. The Minister also noted that the State's Integrated Clean Energy Policy has attracted ₹4.56 lakh crore in investments, with the goal of making Andhra Pradesh the Green Hydrogen Capital of India. District Collector J. Venkata Murali, SP Tushar Dudi, and other officials were present on the occasion.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Bapatla District Collector bans Black Burley tobacco cultivation for this year
In a significant move, Bapatla District Collector J. Venkata Murali has imposed a complete ban on the cultivation of Black Burley tobacco in the district for the current agricultural year, citing severe financial losses suffered by farmers in recent seasons. Chairing a review meeting at the Bapatla Collectorate on Wednesday with officials from MARKFED, the Agriculture Department, and private buyers, Mr. Murali said excessive cultivation—driven by unkept promises from companies—had led to market crashes, leaving farmers in distress. He warned that any violation of the ban, including nursery cultivation, would invite strict action, including destruction of crops. 'Even nursery cultivation of Black Burley tobacco is strictly prohibited,' he said, urging farmers to switch to more profitable alternatives. Reassuring farmers, the Collector said the government would stand by them and support those transitioning to sustainable crops. However, farmers who have already harvested Black Burley will be allowed to sell their produce to private buyers. He also cautioned growers against bringing tobacco with moisture content exceeding 20% to procurement centres and advised them to safeguard the crop from rain damage. Mr. Murali reaffirmed the administration's commitment to protecting farmer interests and assured procurement of every legally grown leaf this season.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bapatla District Collector assures immediate removal of canal obstructions hindering fishing activities
Bapatla District Collector J. Venkata Murali has assured that obstructions in the Epurupalem canal, which have hindered fishing activities, will be removed immediately. He gave this assurance during an emergency meeting with fishermen representatives from nine villages who had halted fishing to protest the blockage., held here on Tuesday. The Collector stated that the canal, which merges into the sea, will be restored to its original flow conditions prior to any fishing bans. He emphasised the urgency, as over 20,000 families and around 2,500 boats belonging to fishermen depend on this canal for their livelihood. The obstruction, reportedly caused by a private individual who dumped 500 tonnes of sand to divert the canal path, has halted boat movement and damaged vessels due to submerged rocks near the shoreline. A committee has been formed to investigate the illegal blockage. It includes officials from Revenue, Groundwater, Water Resources, Pollution Control Board, Fisheries Department, and fishermen leaders. A comprehensive survey and inquiry are to be completed within a month. District SP Tushar Dudi affirmed that legal measures will be taken under CRZ laws, including potential criminal charges. Fishermen welcomed the move and submitted written complaints, seeking action against those encroaching coastal zones for personal gain.
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kuppadam silk saree from Chirala wins national recognition under ODOP scheme
The renowned Kuppadam silk saree from Chirala in Andhra Pradesh has been selected for a prestigious national award under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, recognizing its traditional craftsmanship and cultural significance. The Union Government has officially announced the award, which will be presented on July 14 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, during a national awards ceremony celebrating exemplary local products across India. Bapatla District Collector J. Venkata Murali will receive the award on behalf of the district, marking a significant moment for local artisans and the handloom sector in the region. Handwoven on traditional looms by skilled weavers, Kuppadam silk sarees have long held a unique place in the market. With this national recognition, the saree is expected to gain further prominence, especially in national and international markets. The award is seen as a validation of the weavers' craftsmanship and a boost to the local handloom industry. The announcement has sparked optimism among the weaving community, who view the honor as a turning point that will open up greater market opportunities and sustain traditional livelihoods. --eom
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
District Collector outlines multi-crore development plans for Chirala constituency
Bapatla District Collector J. Venkata Murali on Monday (April 21) directed officials to expedite developmental activities across Chirala constituency and transform its beaches into thriving tourist destinations. At a review meeting with district-level officials held at the Chirala Municipal Office, the Collector emphasized the need for swift execution of works and he later inspected the local crematorium. He announced that ₹10 crore would be utilized under the Jal Jeevan Mission to address Chirala's drinking water issue permanently, while another ₹60 lakh has been sanctioned through RWS for rural drinking water supply. Repairs to five lift irrigation schemes and development works worth ₹8.25 crore under the MGNREGA scheme are also underway, with an additional expenditure of ₹1.75 crore planned. To enhance tourism, the Collector said ₹2 crore from District Mineral Fund (DMF) and another ₹2 crore from various schemes would be spent on beach development. Plans include a ₹150 crore fishing harbour, improved sewage systems with an outlay of ₹1.5 crore, and bio-toilets at Vadarevu and Ramapuram beaches. Chirala MLA M. Mala Kondaiah raised concerns about drainage, encroachments of crematorium and graveyard, usurious lending, poor roads, and power interruptions. He sought new canals, housing for the poor, and construction of handloom parks and sub-stations. Plans to train 3,000 women in tailoring are also in progress.
